Basketball

ABS-CBN Sports on Sep 01, 2019 06:25 PM

(Photo courtesy of Chooks Pilipinas 3x3)

Alvin Pasaol and Wilkins Balanga Pure made sure to deal Phenom Basilan Steel the same pain it felt not that long ago in taking a thrilling 21-20 (9:20) win in the final of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Magiting Cup Leg 1, Sunday at SM Clark Events Center.

Just 36 days earlier, Franky Johnson knocked down the game-winner in overtime to lift Basilan past Balanga in the finale of the Patriot's Cup.

This time around, Balanga was able to exact a little bit of vengeance.

Knotted at 20-all with 54 seconds left, Basilan's Troy Rike had a clean hook shot underneath. The ball, though, only went halfway in before going back out to give the Pure another shot.

With a chance to wrap up the win as well as the PhP 100, 000 cash prize, Pasaol powered his way to the paint against Johnson before throwing a wild shot that went in with 40.6 seconds to spare.

Besides picking up max money for the leg, Balanga gained an early lead in the standings of this tournament backed by Coca-Cola Philippines.